POLK COUNTY, Texas — Nearly three years after a deadly crash that claimed the lives of two Texas college students, Texas Rangers have made two arrests in connection with the case, bringing long-awaited movement for the families who’ve been demanding justice.

The crash happened in January 2023, killing 19-year-old Graylan Spring, a former Vandergrift High School athlete, and 18-year-old Micah McAfoose of Houston. Both were Stephen F. Austin State University students. Investigators say their vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler that was turning left onto a highway from a side road in Polk County.

Spring’s mother, Krista, says her family hasn’t been able to properly grieve since that day. “Honestly, we haven’t even given our time to mourn the death of our son because we went from the death to the injustice immediately,” she said.

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On Wednesday, Texas Rangers arrested Marlin Kendall Hughes, the owner of the trucking company, and Antonio Sandoval Jr., the truck’s driver, on charges of tampering with evidence.

According to an affidavit signed by Ranger Joshua Benson, Hughes called Sandoval after the crash and asked if the truck had a dash camera system. When Sandoval confirmed it did, Hughes told him to bring it to him. By the time the camera was turned over to authorities, Spring says, the footage had been erased. “Someone didn’t want us to see what was on that video,” she said.

Spring said the family is grateful for the progress made this week, but still wants full accountability. “We’re thankful for the arrests made; that’s just one step in the right direction. Praise the Texas Rangers for their investigation,” she said.

Polk County District Attorney Shelly Bush Sitton confirmed her office is reviewing the case with the Rangers. “I don’t have any information on the case yet,” she said. “I’ve talked to the Rangers. They’re bringing it in. We’ll be sitting down and going through it with them and making a determination of how to proceed,” Sitton said.

Both Hughes and Sandoval were released on bond Thursday morning.

Graylan Spring’s legacy lives on through organ donation and the Graylan Spring Foundation, which supports student athletes.

“I don’t know if we’ll get the results that we truly want in the end, but that’s what we’re seeking,” his mother said. “True justice is indictments.”